Infinix Hot 10i vs. Alcatel 3L (2020): A Detailed Performance and Value Showdown

The Alcatel 3L (2020) and Infinix Hot 10i represent two approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The Alcatel focuses on providing a basic, reliable experience, while the Infinix aims to deliver a more compelling feature set, particularly in the realm of gaming and multimedia, at a similar price point. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Infinix Hot 10i is the clear winner. Its Helio G70 chipset provides a substantial upgrade over the Alcatel 3L’s Helio P22, making it better suited for gaming and demanding applications. However, the Alcatel 3L remains a viable option for those seeking a simple, no-frills device.

PHONES
Phone Names alcatel 3L (2020) Infinix Hot 10i
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 401, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 -1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41
Launch
Announced2020, January. Released 2020, May2021, May 20
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, May 20
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frame-
Dimensions158.7 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm (6.25 x 2.94 x 0.33 in)164.3 x 76 x 9.6 mm (6.47 x 2.99 x 0.38 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight165 g (5.82 oz)-
Display
Resolution720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6769V Helio G70 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Mali-G52 MC2
OSAndroid 10Android 11, XOS 7.5
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Dual-13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF Auxiliary lens
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaQuad-LED flash
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm5 MP, (wide)
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.25", 0.8µm, PDAF 5 MP, f/2.4, (ultrawide/depth sensor), 1/5.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)-
Video1080p@30fps1440p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm5 MP, (wide)
Video1080p@30fpsUnspecified
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LEYes
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPSGPS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0microUSB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity
Battery
Charging10W wired18W wired
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAh6000 mAh
Misc
ColorsChameleon Blue, Dark Chrome, Agate GreenBlack, Purple, Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean
Models5029Y, 5029, 5029D, 5029D_EEA, 5029Y_EEAX659B, PR652B, X658E, PR652C, X658B, X659
PriceAbout 150 EURAbout 100 EUR

alcatel 3L (2020)

  • Simple and easy-to-use interface
  • Reliable for basic tasks
  • Potentially lower price point

  • Significantly slower performance
  • Limited gaming capabilities
  • Slower charging speed

Infinix Hot 10i

  • Faster and more responsive performance
  • Better gaming capabilities
  • Faster 18W charging

  • May be slightly more expensive
  • Potentially more complex software
  • No significant camera advantages

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize standard LCD panels, and detailed specifications like resolution and brightness are not provided. However, given the market segment, we can assume both offer 720p+ resolutions. The key difference lies in the processing power driving them; the Hot 10i’s more capable chipset will handle graphically intensive content more smoothly. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the budget nature of both phones.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, given the lack of detailed sensor information. Both phones likely feature a primary camera accompanied by auxiliary sensors of limited utility. Without knowing the megapixel counts or aperture values, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement. However, the Hot 10i’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Helio G70 chipset will likely result in slightly better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. Expect both to struggle with dynamic range and detail in challenging lighting scenarios.

Performance

The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Infinix Hot 10i’s Mediatek Helio G70 (12nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Alcatel 3L’s Helio P22 (12nm). The G70 features a dual-cluster CPU configuration – 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55 – offering significantly improved multi-core performance compared to the 3L’s Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53. The A75 cores in the G70 provide a noticeable boost in responsiveness and application loading times. This translates to a smoother user experience, especially when multitasking or playing games. While both use a 12nm process, the architectural improvements in the G70 yield superior performance.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but typical capacities for this segment are around 5000mAh. The Infinix Hot 10i’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Alcatel 3L’s 10W charging. This faster charging speed will significantly reduce the time required to replenish the battery, offering greater convenience for users who rely heavily on their smartphones. While a larger battery capacity would be ideal, the faster charging on the Hot 10i mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the Alcatel 3L (2020) if you need a dependable smartphone for basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and prioritize simplicity over performance. Buy the Infinix Hot 10i if you prefer a device capable of handling moderate gaming, streaming, and multitasking, and appreciate the faster charging capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Infinix Hot 10i be able to run popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Infinix Hot 10i, with its Helio G70 chipset, is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. However, don't expect a consistently smooth experience at the highest settings. The Helio G70 is designed for entry-level gaming, so some compromises will be necessary.
❓ Is the Alcatel 3L (2020) a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls, texts, and WhatsApp?
Yes, the Alcatel 3L (2020) is an excellent choice for users with basic needs. Its Helio P22 chipset is sufficient for these tasks, and its simplicity makes it easy to use. If you don't require advanced features or demanding performance, the Alcatel 3L offers a reliable and affordable solution.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Infinix Hot 10i with the 18W charger?
While the exact 0-100% charging time depends on battery capacity (which isn't specified), the 18W charger should fully charge the Infinix Hot 10i in approximately 2-3 hours, significantly faster than the Alcatel 3L's 10W charging.